A/N: Sorry it's short, but it's something at least! And I'm about to go to sleep, so it's either this or nothing. Thank you to Lena-luvs-cats, jy24, Amelia Loves Anime, Alaia Skyhawk, M, and Takei Daloui for reviewing! You guys are the best~!^-^
Disclaimer: Umm, not in this life. But I'm crossing my fingers for the next!
Chapter 31
Time Frame — Morning of April 9th, 1896
—3rd Person POV—
~Allen~
By the time Allen returned to the academy, he had missed nearly three weeks of school. The campus was quiet and peaceful with the majority of students attending classes. He paused long enough to drop his luggage off at the dorms, before figuring he might as well join the others in class. First period was just about to end, so he instead headed for Bookman's classroom. It took him about ten minutes of wandering around, but he eventually stumbled upon it, much to his relief.
"Yes? Come in," Bookman's muffled voice could be heard once Allen had knocked. He entered just as the bell rang signaling the end of their first class.
"Ah," Allen cleared his throat, smile tentative. "Hello, Bookman."
"So you've finally decided to grace us with your presence, Mr. Walker," Bookman stated simply without bothering to glance up, hand and pen gliding quickly upon yet another piece of paper. The man's desk always seemed to be drowning with stacks of papers and thick tomes. Nothing like Komui, who just threw everything to the side hoping to get rid of it, only to cause a monstrous mess. No, Bookman appeared diligent and mindful of every word he recorded. "Any word from my deserter of an apprentice?"
"Yes, actually," Allen retorted, digging his hand into his pocket, ignoring the letter meant for himself and instead picking out the crumpled note meant for Bookman. He eyed it briefly, before ambling over to Bookman's desk and handing him the note. "Here."
The elder man's expression revealed nothing as he read the note in less than a second. He simply hummed noncommittally before returning to his own work. Allen was briefly tempted to ask what the message said, but by then the gaggle of Exorcist had entered the classroom.
"Allen!"
From there it was a blur, with the others greeting him and demanding what happened and whatnot. Fortunately, Lenalee was kind enough to get them to back off despite her own curiosity and soon, Bookman was barking at them all to shut up. Allen found it strange returning to this arrangement once more. Even though Cross had been a bigger pain than usual, it was still much more familiar than this whole docile student/Exorcist routine. It was strange, but not bad.
In spite of Bookman's stern demeanor, some of the more talkative ones (mainly Lavi) sometimes got away with whispered conversations during his lectures. But Allen straightened up along with the rest once they noticed that Bookman appeared graver than usual.
"A complication has come up," the aging man stated simply. They listened attentively. But instead of cutting to the chase, Bookman eyed them strictly and began, "Many of you have been training as Exorcists for years. With this came the Order's promise of free education, food, a home, and an easy job of becoming a guard and keeping up with your training. But with that, always came the threat of war."
Everyone paled.
"General Cross has just sent in his report," Bookman continued, "It has become apparent that he's recently come into contact with Neah once more. The Noah are once again beginning to awaken—"
"Just get to it, would you old man?!" Daisya finally burst, hands slamming against his desk. The rest narrowed their eyes in Bookman's direction in complete agreement with the Turk.
Bookman's face didn't so much as twitch. "Neah Walker has gifted General Cross, therefore us, with another piece of information. He suspects that Mana Walker, the previous Millenium Earl, has also reincarnated."
The gasps and shouts of horror were soon muted by Bookman's harsh glare.
Allen remained frozen in his seat. General Cross had sent him off with promise that he would soon find out what was going on. But he'd never expected this. For the umpteenth time, his hand dug into his pocket, clenching the letter a little tighter.
"But, it is only speculation," Bookman reiterated, "It remains to be seen whether it isn't Neah's own regret for the offing of his brother. In any case, the higher ups have ordered me to let you know of this information so that you may prepare accordingly. That is all for today. Class dismissed."
There was a whole hour left of class, and normally their early dismissal would be cause celebration, but they all remained frozen in their seats—with the exception of Allen. Almost as soon as Bookman had dismissed him, he booked it. No one bothered to stop him, all remaining in their own little bubbles of horror and shock. But not Allen. At the moment, he knew there still more information to be had.
Without realizing it, Allen had soon locked himself in his dorm room, slumping back against the door and sliding down onto floor with a thump.
Lips dry and hands slightly trembling, he dug out the worn and wrinkled envelope, ripping it open without much thought and unfolding the brittle paper within. He swallowed thickly, eyes shying away before finally surrendering and scanning the loopy handwriting.
Allen felt as if everything inside him had been carved out and filled with ice.
"Oh my God."
A/N: Couldn't decided whether to end it on the cliffhanger or just give you the letter. My best friend (who is also an evil author) made the decision for me. Heh, at least you get this update now rather than later. Review and let me know what you think please!(: